Our stories

Our new Birthday Program is in full swing as our teams purchase specially requested gifts on behalf of a parent in custody, pack and deliver them to many happy children!

So far, a whopping 145 birthday presents have been delivered to children on behalf of more than 80 parents in custody

The program was devised to help children know that their parent in custody is still thinking of them, even though they can’t be there for such a special day, and create an opportunity for positive connection.

Programs like this are especially needed by children at the moment after years of restricted access to their parent in custody due to the pandemic.

This program also provides a great opportunity for our staff to check in and support families, with one staff member saying, “sometimes just listening and supporting families makes you love the job you are doing”.

We’ve been receiving great feedback from the parents of children who have received a special birthday surprise so far including:

“We received the gifts yesterday and Lily was over the moon! Thank you so much, I can’t tell you how much this means to her receiving gifts from her dad.”

– Mum Anna*

“The children are reaching the point where they really miss their dad and having physical contact with him … the birthday program is wonderful as it’s keeping the children smiling.”

– Mum Sara*

“This is so generous, the children miss mum so much and this will make them feel like she is still thinking of them.”

– Grandparent Franko*

“Thank you for all the support. It’s been a difficult year with dad being incarcerated … now to know we are receiving birthday gifts for each child is heart warming,” said one mum who was overwhelmed when we told about the program as she has been struggling financially since the pandemic began.

– Mum Leana*

“This is going to make her feel so loved and special to get a gift from her daddy who she hasn’t seen in over a year due to Covid.”

– Carer Deena*